Later Essays, Susan Sontag, Library of America – The Library of America’s second volume of Susan Sontag’s brilliant observations and critiques, “Later Essays,” illustrates her extraordinary ability to dig deep into political and social conflict and provoke personal introspection.
The New Old Me/My Late-Life Reinvention, Meredith Maran, Blue Rider Press – Meredith Maran, self-described in her memoir as “The New Old Me,” focuses attention on the consequences of aging — exclusion and isolation.
The Unknown Kerouac, Todd Tietchen, Library of America – The Library of America’s release of Kerouac’s “rare, unpublished and newly translated writings,” edited by Todd Tietchen, conveys his mastery development as a writer and offers insight into the counterculture’s creative endeavors.
John O’Hara stories, Charles McGrath, Editor, Random House – Twentieth-century American author John O’Hara’s stories of everyday, familiar people are featured in a new Library of America collection, edited by Charles McGrath.
In the Light of the Garden, Heather Burch, Lake Union Publishing – Heather Burch stretches the limits of reality in her novel, “In the Light of the Garden,” but still manages to deliver a revitalizing read by adding a little magic and family dynamics.
Livia Lone, Barry Eisler, Thomas and Mercer – In his crime novel titled after the protagonist, “Livia Lone,” Barry Eisler spins a disconcerting plot around people involved in human trafficking and its victims.
Romeo and/or Juliet: A chooseable-path Adventure, Ryan North, Riverhead Books – At first I found Ryan North’s interactive game using Shakespeare’s love story, Romeo and Juliet, a hilarious idea.
Everything I Don’t Remember, Jonas Hassen Khemiri, Atria Books – Award-winning Swedish author Jonas Hassen Khemiri’s novel, “Everything I Don’t Remember,” might be re-titled “a book I don’t want to remember.”
Voices in the Night, Steven Millhauser, Vintage Books – Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Steven Millhauser’s collection of disquieting short stories, “Voices in the Night,” are outlandish tales laced with jarring twists, reminiscent of the old “Twilight Zone” television series.
Shakespeare in America, James Shapiro Editor, Library of America – Willa Cather wrote in 1894 that William Shakespeare “belongs” to two nations, America and England, a theme that resonates through “Shakespeare in America,” an anthology that traces Shakespeare and his influences in the United States from 1776 to the present.
